“These funds will allow our individuals and families to rebuild their homes and their lives” said Henry Wise, chairperson of the Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group.

Posted September 19, 2013, NJ

The American Red Cross awarded two grants totaling more than $1.1 million to the Atlantic City Long Term Recovery Group and the Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group to address the needs of residents who do not have adequate resources to recover from Sandy.

The grants will provide Sandy survivors with construction assistance to homeowners to repair or rebuild their homes and with case managers to help them develop a recovery plan.

“Sandy recovery in New Jersey is far from over and the Red Cross is committed to helping our impacted communities come back stronger and more resilient against future storms,” said Nancy Orlando, regional CEO, American Red Cross South Jersey Region. “By partnering with the Long Term Recovery Groups here, we will continue to support Sandy survivors until all those affected recover.”

The Atlantic City Long Term Recovery Group received a $586,000 grant to assist 100 households with rebuilding or reconstruction and an additional 150 families with disaster case management. As part of the case management, Atlantic City renters will receive financial support to replace furnishings or for rental assistance.

“Reconstruction of homes is critical for the long term health of individuals and the Atlantic City community as a whole,” said Craig Snow, operations manager for the Atlantic City Long Term Recovery Group. “Thanks to the generous support of the Red Cross, we can address the most fundamental needs of our residents affected by Hurricane Sandy.”

The Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group provides coordinated management of the recovery efforts of Atlantic County residents in municipalities along the shoreline (with the exception of Atlantic City) who suffered significant damage from Superstorm Sandy, with a priority focus on seniors and individuals with disabilities. It will use its $586,000 Red Cross grant to assist approximately 120 households with construction services and the replacement of household contents, including durable medical equipment.

“We are excited to partner with the Red Cross to help low-income and vulnerable Atlantic County residents recover from Sandy,” said Henry Wise, chairperson of the Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group. “These funds will allow our individuals and families to rebuild their homes and their lives.”

Donations to the Red Cross after Superstorm Sandy have led to clear signs of progress and hope throughout New Jersey nearly eleven months after the storm. In addition to the two grants announced today, the Red Cross has partnered with numerous organizations to support the recovery of New Jersey families and communities affected by Sandy, including the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Operation Hope, the Points of Light Foundation, Habitat for Humanity International, the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church, Rebuilding Together, Lutheran Disaster Response, Catholic Charities USA, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, World Renew, NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster, the Volunteer Center of Bergen County and the Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. The Sandy recovery efforts include housing assistance, case management, mental health services, volunteer coordination and construction services. Additional New Jersey community grants will be announced in the weeks ahead.

The Atlantic City Long Term Recovery Group is the central coordinating entity in the response to Hurricane Sandy for Atlantic City. It leads the community effort to fill the gaps in funding and resources for residents who suffered damage. This is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that was started by a group of concerned citizens of Atlantic City after the storm, providing construction assistance and grant funding to assist residents in their recovery process. For assistance residents are encouraged to call us at: 609-541-2189.

About the Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group:

Atlantic County Long-Term Recovery Group was assembled to provide coordinated management of the long-term recovery process; increase efficiencies by avoiding duplication of efforts and provide additional long-term assistance for residents with limited resources. The group is comprised of more than 30 local, regional and national non-profit, government and faith-based organizations and businesses including United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, Mental Health Association, Habitat for Humanity, Family Service Association and others who are experienced in all aspects of disaster relief and recovery and health and human service. A full listing of participating agencies can be found online at facebook.com/VOAD. For additional information on services or programs that may be available, residents are encouraged to call NJ’s non-emergency helpline 2-1-1 or visit www.nj211.org.